January 2025 PMID 39879231

Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Tara Cain, Jacinta Brinsley, Hunter Bennett, Max Nelson, Carol Maher, Ben Singh

Mentions

224
Peak: 42 in Feb 2025
across 6 sources since Jan 2025

Extended reach

1,504,277
potential audience

Total likes

204

Video views

5,498

Mentions per month

Jan 2025 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News138 articles
  • X / Twitter61 posts
  • Bluesky10 posts
  • YouTube8 videos
  • Blogs5 articles
  • Reddit2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Overall, discussions reflect a balanced view, with many posts referencing the research's findings that cold water immersion can reduce stress and inflammation, yet some caution that benefits are temporary or lack definitive evidence. The tone varies from cautious optimism to skepticism, driven by references to specific study outcomes and scientific clarifications, which demonstrates moderate engagement and shared interest in understanding the method's health implications.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the general findings that cold-water immersion affects stress and inflammation, showing some support and cautious optimism.

InterestModerate interest

Participants show moderate interest, referencing specific benefits like improved sleep and immune response but also questioning claims and emphasizing the need for further evidence.

EngagementModerate engagement

Several posts engage with scientific details, such as mentioning inflammation, stress reduction, and research limitations, indicating a thoughtful level of engagement.

ImpactNeutral impact

While some posts highlight practical benefits like reduced sickness absence and stress, others express skepticism, suggesting a mixed impact on perceptions about cold water immersion.

Abstract in brief

  • The review found that cold water immersion (CWI) causes an immediate inflammatory response but seems to help reduce stress levels 12 hours later, although it doesn't significantly affect stress right after or within the first 24 hours.
  • CWI treatments, which involve cold showers or ice baths lasting from 30 seconds to 2 hours at temperatures between 7°C and 15°C, have been studied for their effects on various health aspects like sleep, mood, immunity, and skin health, but more research is needed for definitive conclusions.
  • The overall quality of the studies was moderate to high, but results suggest that while CWI can trigger short-term inflammation, it might also offer benefits in reducing stress in the longer term.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Medical Xpress
@medical_xpress · X

#Cold-water #Immersion may reduce stress and improve sleep, but effects are time-limited and vary by individual. Temporary inflammation increase noted; caution advised for those with health conditions. @PLOSONE https://t.co/NOJWGz1Q7m https://t.co/0ZInkial57

Jan 31, 2025 · 35 likes · 19 shares · 172,931 followers View post →
Stop Pseudociencias
@StopPseudo · X

Alguna vez hemos comentado que no hay pruebas de que sirva para nada y, encima, te expone a un shock térmico, y ahora un metaanálisis sobre bañarse en agua muy fría lo refrenda: https://t.co/nc44EGYbUJ #StopPseudociencias #coNprueba

Feb 7, 2025 · 18 likes · 8 shares · 9,650 followers View post →
Agingdoc
@agingdoc1 · X

Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review and meta-analysis "Our analysis of 11 studies involving 3,177 participants revealed several potential benefits, including a reduction in stress 12 hours post-CWI, with improvements also noted in sleep https://t.co/ozJzWxENmm

Feb 9, 2025 · 8 likes · 1 share · 41,314 followers View post →
Tom Coughlin
@tecoughlin · X

Reference: https://t.co/pxjxrVJYLc

Feb 11, 2025 · 6 likes · 1 share · 4,150 followers View post →
Melih Çat
@melih_cat · X

@lalalaladuyma https://t.co/ZqveH5tpnd https://t.co/i9D9oVXiN0 https://t.co/ZsHAdo1LCT

Aug 14, 2025 · 3 likes · 1 share · 34,399 followers View post →
Dr.秋山@予防医学であなたの価値を10%上げる/現代病を鍼灸で救う
@H3fxBmh4nIIxjUA · X

冷水のよる効果 メンタルヘルスにはいいかも ちなみに僕は 朝の運動後必ず水シャワーでシャキッとします https://t.co/eBKpiAvEHn

Feb 23, 2025 · 3 likes · 14,007 followers View post →

All mentions

Dr. Longevity
@DoctorLongevity · X

@AlpacaAurelius Isn't it about the difference between acute stress (which can be beneficial) and chronic stress with its consequences? https://t.co/5PW3lAoU4y

Nov 15, 2025 · 1 like · 33 followers View post →
рома
@patrickeewitch · X

@Bazanlazan Добрый день https://t.co/TLH7jHYnQQ

Nov 13, 2025 · 1 like · 1,097 followers View post →
ホントにあった世界の研究同好会
@MajiResearch · X

出典: 研究機関 https://t.co/xcl5qteTOt #信じるか信じないかは論文次第 #なぜそんな研究を https://t.co/xcl5qteTOt

Nov 2, 2025 View post →
Penguin
@BowTiedWaddle · X

@Mr_Fireside Resistance training in the elderly https://t.co/nJ8CN7VbZd https://t.co/4qUxxo9dia https://t.co/KMhyYWc2sk Cold exposure: https://t.co/NG0jlF8YlG https://t.co/peOyNKCEI3 Working out… good? Cold-exposure… good? Stress……. Good???????? https://t.co/ocysA2ZZf9

Oct 27, 2025 · 1 like · 321 followers View post →
Tiago Henriques
@CvTiago · X

@tekbog A cold shower reaaaally gets your heart pumping, with the advantage you can do it even in a wheelchair. And, there’s even ‘a timid positive nod’ from the research side: https://t.co/cW5QLvLxaT

Oct 19, 2025 · 1 like · 106 followers View post →
Señor Margarita
@senor_margarita · X

@HeidingOut @Luke_twit https://t.co/MvXu4kNvfT

Oct 11, 2025 · 1 like · 585 followers View post →
Kazutoshi Nakano | SB Intuitions
@kznx · X

主観的には冷水シャワー、温冷交代浴の健康効果は高いと思っていますが、それほど明確なエビデンスがあるわけでは無さそう。 Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review and meta-analysis https://t.co/IwkNd5n5HJ

Sep 18, 2025 · 597 followers View post →
Guy Fincham, PhD
@breath_Guy · X

https://t.co/mHlK9dsK3G

Sep 17, 2025 · 2,077 followers View post →
Guy Fincham, PhD
@breath_Guy · X

Related to breathwork (Wim Hof)... Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Sep 17, 2025 · 2 likes · 2,077 followers View post →
Jonathan Riquelme Aguilera
@jonyriqfisio · X

https://t.co/vP3iMMoBik https://t.co/P9RWXSkcrJ

Aug 21, 2025 · 8 followers View post →
gerek var mı
@lalalaladuyma · X

RT @melih_cat: @lalalaladuyma https://t.co/ZqveH5tpnd https://t.co/i9D9oVXiN0 https://t.co/ZsHAdo1LCT

Aug 14, 2025 · 1 share · 269 followers View post →
Melih Çat
@melih_cat · X

@lalalaladuyma https://t.co/ZqveH5tpnd https://t.co/i9D9oVXiN0 https://t.co/ZsHAdo1LCT

Aug 14, 2025 · 3 likes · 1 share · 34,399 followers View post →
Everyone_On_X
@dcsnj1 · X

@karlmehta Heres the link as your “research” likely did not extend to reading actual research studies: https://t.co/GvgoWP2wDy. PS: studying blood markers is not the same as studying end results on subjects; but a real scientist would know that

Jul 26, 2025 · 90 followers View post →
Drew Baye High Intensity Training
@BayeDrew · X

Cain T, Brinsley J, Bennett H, Nelson M, Maher C, Singh B. Effects of cold‑water immersion on health and wellbeing: a systematic review and meta‑analysis. PLoS One. 2025;20(1):e0317615. No increase in testosterone

Jul 17, 2025 · 1 like · 12,035 followers View post →
Chill&Revive
@chillandrevive · X

4. Boosts Immunity Cold exposure improves your immune system’s response and reduces sick days.

Jul 16, 2025 View post →
nineofclubs
@real_nineoclubs · X

@r3tarddownunder On cold water immersion (CWI); “Conclusions: This systematic review suggests that CWI delivers time-dependent effects on inflammation, stress, immunity, sleep quality, and quality of life.. “ https://t.co/WDkk5jxnAK

Jul 8, 2025 · 381 followers View post →
PARKER
@nftpeterparker · X

Are you going to immerse yourself into the cold plunge? https://t.co/tk5elHzh2k

Jul 8, 2025 · 2,116 followers View post →
Altamiro Bottino
@BottinoAltamiro · X

Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review and meta-analysis https://t.co/OiNlvIbYad https://t.co/ipODoj6vmg

May 19, 2025 · 93 followers View post →
Nobuhiro Ariyoshi MD
@AriyoshiMd · X

https://t.co/h8cEc1qs4T

Apr 18, 2025 · 1 like · 3,878 followers View post →
【オキロ。】強制モーニングコール代行型の朝活支援サービス
@Okizaru_Morning · X

④ 冷水シャワーを浴びる(30秒〜1分) → ノルアドレナリン分泌で覚醒&ストレス耐性UP ・自律神経が整うことで集中力が増す ・参考論文:PLOS One (2016) 冷水シャワー習慣によって「欠勤率が29%減少」したデータあり https://t.co/kLbsMUKjYx https://t.co/fRtoCFscWR

Apr 12, 2025 · 62 followers View post →
Gary Holden
@Info4Practice · X

New on https://t.co/8pxKdRE5qp | Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review and meta-analysis | https://t.co/wQssvK5GWA https://t.co/vmo5H52ZSH

Mar 19, 2025 · 4,721 followers View post →
赤い炊飯ジャー(shin1_s)
@shin1_s · X

https://t.co/T88cAZ5Pe4

Feb 27, 2025 · 198 followers View post →
Dr.秋山@予防医学であなたの価値を10%上げる/現代病を鍼灸で救う
@H3fxBmh4nIIxjUA · X

冷水のよる効果 メンタルヘルスにはいいかも ちなみに僕は 朝の運動後必ず水シャワーでシャキッとします https://t.co/eBKpiAvEHn

Feb 23, 2025 · 3 likes · 14,007 followers View post →
Santiago Quinto
@7Santiago_11 · X

@AntelmPujol https://t.co/0s7D6sNXOx

Feb 18, 2025 · 1 followers View post →
Nutri Promedio
@tipiconutri · X

@EricCD10 @AntelmPujol https://t.co/AeJP5pdiyB

Feb 16, 2025 · 1 like · 3 followers View post →
Tanya
@tanyazkrusek · X

@Milosval1 Pro hnidopichy odkaz zde. Jednalo se o vodu o teplotě 15 stupňů a méně. Snad méně, protože 15 stupňů přece není studena voda

Feb 16, 2025 · 3 likes · 2,971 followers View post →
Heart for Life
@heartscreening · X

Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review and meta-analysis https://t.co/jenqjcumSz #coldwater #PLOSONE @SusannaSberg1

Feb 15, 2025 · 1,038 followers View post →
Mind Your Science!
@MindYourSci · X

RT @agingdoc1: Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review and meta-analysis "Our analysis of 11 studies…

Feb 13, 2025 · 1 share · 133 followers View post →
整体等対策CSU第9班
@artisticphysio · X

RT @tecoughlin: Reference: https://t.co/pxjxrVJYLc

Feb 12, 2025 · 1 share · 469 followers View post →
Tom Coughlin
@tecoughlin · X

Reference: https://t.co/pxjxrVJYLc

Feb 11, 2025 · 6 likes · 1 share · 4,150 followers View post →
Agingdoc
@agingdoc1 · X

Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review and meta-analysis "Our analysis of 11 studies involving 3,177 participants revealed several potential benefits, including a reduction in stress 12 hours post-CWI, with improvements also noted in sleep https://t.co/ozJzWxENmm

Feb 9, 2025 · 8 likes · 1 share · 41,314 followers View post →
Francisco González
@fragonib · X

RT @StopPseudo: Alguna vez hemos comentado que no hay pruebas de que sirva para nada y, encima, te expone a un shock térmico, y ahora un me…

Feb 8, 2025 · 8 shares · 92 followers View post →
(((JReuben1)))
@jreuben1 · X

Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review https://t.co/eggNOwM6v2

Feb 8, 2025 · 1,954 followers View post →
Hacker News Bot
@hnfeed.bsky.social · Bluesky

Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0317615 [comments] [33 points]

Feb 7, 2025 View post →
HN Link Bot
@hnews.southla.social · Bluesky

Feb 7, 2025 · 1 like View post →
Climate, Ecology, War & More by Dr. Glen Barry, BigEarthData.ai
@bigearthdata.bsky.social · Bluesky

Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review ->PLOS ONE | #Health | More info from EcoSearch

Feb 7, 2025 View post →
HackerNewsTop5
@hackernewstop5 · X

Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review #HackerNews https://t.co/ljrrH2HbSc https://t.co/LpCdwBvUbT

Feb 7, 2025 · 336 followers View post →
HackerNewsTop5
@hackernewstop5.bsky.social · Bluesky

Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review #HackerNews journals.plos.org/plos...

Feb 7, 2025 View post →
HackerNews Compilator
@hnbot.gsuscs.xyz · Bluesky

Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0317615

Feb 7, 2025 View post →
Hacker News Top Stories
@hackernewsbot.bsky.social · Bluesky

Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review Discussion

Feb 7, 2025 · 1 like View post →
HN
@hnws.bsky.social · Bluesky

Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review L: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0317615 C: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42940748 posted on 2025.02.04 at 18:25:49 (c=0, p=3)

Feb 7, 2025 View post →
Hacker News Top 100 Bot (Unofficial)
@hn100.bsky.social · Bluesky

Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review Discussion

Feb 7, 2025 View post →
Lluís Deulofeu
@deulofeu_lluis · X

RT @StopPseudo: Alguna vez hemos comentado que no hay pruebas de que sirva para nada y, encima, te expone a un shock térmico, y ahora un me…

Feb 7, 2025 · 8 shares · 113 followers View post →
José M. #NoEsIgualdadEsOdio
@jmgs_es · X

RT @StopPseudo: Alguna vez hemos comentado que no hay pruebas de que sirva para nada y, encima, te expone a un shock térmico, y ahora un me…

Feb 7, 2025 · 8 shares · 3,795 followers View post →
Lonebeatle
@Lonebeatle · X

RT @StopPseudo: Alguna vez hemos comentado que no hay pruebas de que sirva para nada y, encima, te expone a un shock térmico, y ahora un me…

Feb 7, 2025 · 8 shares · 1,685 followers View post →
Rafa Vázquez #SinCienciaNoHayFuturo
@monkeyplatillos · X

RT @StopPseudo: Alguna vez hemos comentado que no hay pruebas de que sirva para nada y, encima, te expone a un shock térmico, y ahora un me…

Feb 7, 2025 · 8 shares · 1,554 followers View post →
Laura
@Laura3_141 · X

RT @StopPseudo: Alguna vez hemos comentado que no hay pruebas de que sirva para nada y, encima, te expone a un shock térmico, y ahora un me…

Feb 7, 2025 · 8 shares · 30 followers View post →
Doctora NO
@PatriciaLargoB · X

RT @StopPseudo: Alguna vez hemos comentado que no hay pruebas de que sirva para nada y, encima, te expone a un shock térmico, y ahora un me…

Feb 7, 2025 · 8 shares · 605 followers View post →
José María Quinto
@QuintoArrio7 · X

RT @StopPseudo: Alguna vez hemos comentado que no hay pruebas de que sirva para nada y, encima, te expone a un shock térmico, y ahora un me…

Feb 7, 2025 · 8 shares · 392 followers View post →
Stop Pseudociencias
@StopPseudo · X

Alguna vez hemos comentado que no hay pruebas de que sirva para nada y, encima, te expone a un shock térmico, y ahora un metaanálisis sobre bañarse en agua muy fría lo refrenda: https://t.co/nc44EGYbUJ #StopPseudociencias #coNprueba

Feb 7, 2025 · 18 likes · 8 shares · 9,650 followers View post →
Tom Heston MD
@tomhestonmd · X

https://t.co/qen8FCMbE5

Feb 6, 2025 · 7,265 followers View post →
サイエンスあれこれ
@sarekore · X

浸かった場合にのみデータが含まれています。これには、冷水シャワー、氷風呂、冷水浴が含まれます。https://t.co/Pi74LLqvBR

Feb 3, 2025 · 922 followers View post →
Climate, Ecology, War & More by Dr. Glen Barry, BigEarthData.ai
@bigearthdata.bsky.social · Bluesky

Study explores the effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing ->News Medical Life Sciences | #Health | More info from EcoSearch

Feb 3, 2025 View post →
Australian Science Media Centre
@aussmc.bsky.social · Bluesky

Feb 2, 2025 View post →
Tracy Brower
@TracyBrower108 · X

Effects of cold water immersion https://t.co/liEtMiao5I

Feb 2, 2025 · 1 like · 9,372 followers View post →
Jun Kubota
@kubotajun · X

#PLOSONE: Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review and meta-analysis https://t.co/YoJr2i4P34

Feb 1, 2025 · 1 like · 95 followers View post →
G. Scott Weston, RPh, MBA, PhD (he/him/his)
@gscottweston · X

On the positive health benefits of cold exposure https://t.co/p3ZNhopKtS

Feb 1, 2025 · 1 like · 205 followers View post →
Manu Gupta
@mguptax108 · X

RT @medical_xpress: #Cold-water #Immersion may reduce stress and improve sleep, but effects are time-limited and vary by individual. Tempor…

Feb 1, 2025 · 19 shares · 1,124 followers View post →
Professor Erwin Loh
@erwinloh · X

A systematic review found that cold-water immersion can temporarily lower stress, improve sleep, and slightly enhance quality of life. However, benefits faded within months, and claims about immune or mood boosts lacked evidence. https://t.co/yvQDKL1DfV https://t.co/kpADOGpGh4

Feb 1, 2025 · 1 like · 9,597 followers View post →
lichking昏暗
@zhangliang2 · X

RT @medical_xpress: #Cold-water #Immersion may reduce stress and improve sleep, but effects are time-limited and vary by individual. Tempor…

Feb 1, 2025 · 19 shares · 183 followers View post →
β
@beta___ · X

RT @medical_xpress: #Cold-water #Immersion may reduce stress and improve sleep, but effects are time-limited and vary by individual. Tempor…

Jan 31, 2025 · 19 shares · 99,993 followers View post →
serrgv
@serrgv · X

RT @medical_xpress: #Cold-water #Immersion may reduce stress and improve sleep, but effects are time-limited and vary by individual. Tempor…

Jan 31, 2025 · 19 shares · 148 followers View post →
Josie Roberts
@j0sieRob · X

RT @medical_xpress: #Cold-water #Immersion may reduce stress and improve sleep, but effects are time-limited and vary by individual. Tempor…

Jan 31, 2025 · 19 shares · 64 followers View post →
Luis Alberto Luengo
@luengo1958 · X

RT @medical_xpress: #Cold-water #Immersion may reduce stress and improve sleep, but effects are time-limited and vary by individual. Tempor…

Jan 31, 2025 · 19 shares · 17,528 followers View post →
CopperKettle
@Artyom_Yekat · X

".. narrative synthesis suggested longer-term benefits, including a 29% reduction in sickness absence among participants who took cold showers.." - cold water immersion propably does not improve proofreading skills https://t.co/fdhmJIao5Q

Jan 31, 2025 · 379 followers View post →
CopperKettle
@Artyom_Yekat · X

RT @medical_xpress: #Cold-water #Immersion may reduce stress and improve sleep, but effects are time-limited and vary by individual. Tempor…

Jan 31, 2025 · 19 shares · 379 followers View post →
human-ish
@CANALI3N · X

RT @medical_xpress: #Cold-water #Immersion may reduce stress and improve sleep, but effects are time-limited and vary by individual. Tempor…

Jan 31, 2025 · 19 shares · 1,646 followers View post →
gene dorr
@geno_ggdorr · X

RT @medical_xpress: #Cold-water #Immersion may reduce stress and improve sleep, but effects are time-limited and vary by individual. Tempor…

Jan 31, 2025 · 19 shares · 2,499 followers View post →
Wendy Meeuwsen
@WendyMeeuw22283 · X

RT @medical_xpress: #Cold-water #Immersion may reduce stress and improve sleep, but effects are time-limited and vary by individual. Tempor…

Jan 31, 2025 · 19 shares · 429 followers View post →
Medical Xpress
@medical_xpress · X

#Cold-water #Immersion may reduce stress and improve sleep, but effects are time-limited and vary by individual. Temporary inflammation increase noted; caution advised for those with health conditions. @PLOSONE https://t.co/NOJWGz1Q7m https://t.co/0ZInkial57

Jan 31, 2025 · 35 likes · 19 shares · 172,931 followers View post →
Phys.org
@physorg_com · X

RT @medical_xpress: #Cold-water #Immersion may reduce stress and improve sleep, but effects are time-limited and vary by individual. Tempor…

Jan 31, 2025 · 19 shares · 1,023,975 followers View post →